ACES - Graham Farm & Nature Center

08/04/2026

A beautiful Saturday at Graham Farm & Nature Center! We were delighted to host the North Alabama Master Gardeners’ Association Picnic on June 6, where fellowship, food, and friends came together under sunny skies.

Guests enjoyed a relaxed day filled with conversation, shared dishes, and plenty of laughter. We took a tour around the farm, exploring the landscapes that make GFNC special, and even had a little critter exploration along the way, always a favorite when curiosity meets nature!

It was a joy meeting everyone, making introductions, and spending time with folks who care deeply about gardening, stewardship, and community.

We’re grateful for the visit and look forward to welcoming the Master Gardeners back again soon. There’s always more to discover at GFNC.

07/29/2026

Good to know….

Opting for a DIY wedding menu? Don’t overlook food safety. Save this guide for a safe summer wedding. ⤵️

07/27/2026

07/27/2026

What a wonderful afternoon at Graham Farm & Nature Center! We were honored to serve as the host site for today’s Native Plant Symposium Excursion, welcoming partners, volunteers, and participants for an engaging look at restoration and stewardship in our region.

Our team was glad to collaborate with ACES Extension Agents Norm Haley and Holt Akers Campbell, and volunteer Olivia Buchanan, whose support helped ensure a smooth and welcoming experience for everyone attending.

Participants explored topics including Native Warm Season Grazing Conversion, Old Field Restoration using herbicides and prescribed fire, Invasive Plant Control for woody species such as Chinese privet and Tree of Heaven, and an overview of Bottomland Hardwood Restoration, a jam-packed afternoon of learning from experts and from the land itself.

To all who joined us on Sunday, May 31, 2026, from 1–3 p.m., thank you for spending your day at GFNC. The short visit around the property is never enough, and as always, there is so much more to learn here.

We look forward to welcoming you back for future programs and explorations.

07/21/2026

Where curiosity meets conservation….

At the beginning of May, a call, an email, and a drop-in visit set in motion a three-day adventure that brought together the GFNC crew, TVA, U.S. Fish & Wildlife, CBS Sunday Morning, and National Geographic photographer and storyteller Joel Sartore. TVA arrived like a swarm, and we loved every minute of it! On site from midday Tuesday, May 26, through Thursday, May 29, excitement and wonder settled over the farm like a living, breathing presence.

Imagine a brigade of nature-loving professionals who possess deep expertise yet still hold the curiosity, hope, and joy of a child. People who marvel at the outdoors, celebrate the critters, and devote their lives to conserving nature’s most fragile wonders. That spirit filled every corner of the farm.

During the visit, several federally endangered aquatic species offered a rare and unforgettable moment of joy. To witness such delicate and significant creatures firsthand reminded everyone why conservation matters and why partnerships like this one are so meaningful.

Stories were shared, laughter echoed across the fields, and time spent together felt purposeful, a memorable chapter in GFNC’s ongoing commitment to protecting Alabama’s natural legacy.

07/21/2026

The rain comes down heavy, but the mission stays steady.

07/20/2026

Venomous Snake Training at GFNC

We had an incredible day of hands-on learning during our Venomous Snake Training at Graham Farm & Nature Center. Participants spent the day gaining practical skills, building confidence, and learning how to safely identify, handle, and respond to venomous snakes here in Alabama.

From morning sessions on snake biology and behavior to afternoon demonstrations and safety protocols, this training equipped everyone with knowledge that supports both personal safety and responsible stewardship of our native wildlife.

A huge thank you to everyone who attended, asked great questions, and helped make the day such a success. GFNC — where education meets conservation.

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07/20/2026

We’ve Been Busy Growing, Learning, and Exploring!!
If you’ve noticed things have been a little quiet on our page lately, it’s because the past few months have been full of activity here at GFNC. Since May, our days have been packed with programs, fieldwork, new partnerships, summer visitors, and plenty of outdoor adventures; the good kind that keep us moving from sunrise to sunset.
We’re finally catching our breath, and over the next few days, we’ll be sharing highlights from everything we’ve been up to. From nature discoveries to community events, conservation projects, and behind‑the‑scenes moments, we can’t wait to show you what’s been happening across the farm and nature center.
Thank you for your patience, your support, and for being part of our GFNC family. Here is a snippet of our Venomous Snake Training & Workshop ….Stay tuned, the stories, photos, and updates are coming, and they’re worth the wait.

07/04/2026

From the fields and forests of Graham Farm & Nature Center, Happy Fourth of July.

As our nation marks 250 years of this grand experiment in freedom, we’re reminded that liberty is not just a principle written on parchment; it’s something lived out in the everyday rhythms of community, stewardship, and shared responsibility.

May this Independence Day bring reflection, gratitude, and the simple beauty of nature’s gifts. Here’s to 250 years of striving toward a future where freedom is nurtured like a living thing; tended, protected, and passed forward with hope.

Happy Fourth of July from your GFNC family.